Omega’s more affordable sibling, Longines, released an attractive update to its Spirit Pilot model, which first landed in 2020.

Case and Dial

Presented in a well-proportioned 39 mm x 11.5 mm stainless steel case, that’s 47.2 mm lug-to-lug, the Spirit Pilot has a 20 mm lug width and comes with a matte black dial. Longines removed the previously criticized 5-star emblem (they may be listening to consumers), redesigned the minute/second track, and there’s no date display, so holistically, the dial has a clean aesthetic that can be easily read at a glance.

Further enhancing legibility are long hour and minute hands, and a sweeping center seconds hand that goes nearly all the way to the edge of the dial. Longines gave the Spirit Pilot gilt (gold-colored) hands and applied Arabic numerals, which those who prefer a vintage look may like, but those who want something modern-looking may not.

Chronometer Movement

Under the dial is an automatic caliber made exclusively for Longines by ETA (both brands are owned by the Swatch Group), which beats at 3.5Hz, features a silicon balance spring, a 72-hour maximum power reserve, and receives official COSC chronometer certification, ensuring an adjusted rate of -4/+6 seconds per day, before being cased up. Longines states that the movement provides magnetic resistance 10 times greater than the ISO 764 standard, which will be appreciated by those who use the watch in professional situations and who demand high precision timekeeping.

Improved Caseback

Speaking of the case, Longines got rid of the solid caseback that was secured by individual screws and replaced it with a more reliable solid screw-in caseback. The crown screws-down to the case, and water resistance is rated to a depth of 100 meters.

Straps and Bracelet

The 2025 Longines Sprite can be had with an olive green rubber strap with a pin buckle (that has a design made to look like a textile strap) for $2,700 (Ref. L3.809.4.53.9), a brown leather strap with a folding clasp and a micro-adjustment for $2,850 (Ref. L3.809.4.53.2), or a stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp and micro-adjustment for $3,100 (Ref. L3.809.4.53.6). Interestingly, Longines gave the two straps quick-release spring bars, but did not do so for the bracelet. Total weight is 91 grams on a leather strap, 92 grams with the rubber strap, and 143 grams if you go with the bracelet option.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Longines did an admirable job, enhancing the Spirit Pilot in a way that makes it a noticeably better option over previous iterations, with few sacrifices. It would be nice to also see this in a non-gilded version, as well as in a lightweight titanium case. Both are options within existing models; however, the existing models have an older look, and come in 37 mm, 40 mm, and 42 mm, in stainless steel, and 42 mm in titanium, whereas the new collection is available exclusively in a 39 mm diameter stainless steel case with a black dial at launch. Perhaps we’ll see more options in the future.

Learn more at Longines.

 

Photos by Longines.